1.      Introduction

In relation to the way the GAA has historically managed its organisational information, there has been a high dependence on manual systems and anecdotal data, rather than reliable empirical information. The GAA has acknowledged that to continue to grow and develop in the future, there needs to be a far greater emphasis on accurate and timely data gathering and information sharing. For that reason the GAA has forged a business relationship with a New Zealand company RealSports. Both parties entered into an agreement in late 2004 with a view to developing a system that will be of benefit to all aspects of the Association.

2.      Goals & Objectives

The GAA have indicated that the following goals and objectives are of importance to the organisation:

• Improve the appearance and functionality of the current website
• Improve its communication with stakeholders and the public
• Centrally record and manage records of all registered members
• Centralise the data recording, storage and communication of GAA managed competitions
• Continue to be a financially responsible and efficient organisation
• Provide effective recruitment, development & retention programmes for players, coaches and referees
• Continue developing GAA communities at a local, county, provincial and national level

3.      Solutions Overview

The GAA and RealSports have a vision of creating a virtual sporting community within the Gaelic Sports to complement and enhance the physical community.

RealSports will be delivering a total solution to the GAA, comprising the following components:

• Web portal
• Consistent, easy to use web presence for all clubs and Counties
• Communication tools
• High quality e-newsletter tool at a national level for general GAA, coaching, refereeing, club and competitions news
• Member registration
• On-line, real-time club based membership registration solution that allows for instant reporting at Club, County, Provincial and National level
• Competitions management
• On-line, real-time management tool for competitions for all levels from local under age to national leagues and championships
• High performance management
• Management of all aspects of elite players and panels, including training programmes, medical, recuperation, and performance

4.      Benefits to the GAA

Successful rollout and adoption of the suite of solutions will enable the GAA, the Provinces, Counties and Clubs to accrue the following benefits:

• Accurate real-time information leading to better decision making
• Increased efficiency for current workload – less time administrating, more time managing & developing
• Increased revenue opportunities
• Sponsorship
• Value Added Services
• Improved relationship with Grassroots
• Actually know who the members are
• Highly targeted recruitment & retention programmes
• Measurable reductions in overheads – postage, stationary, telecom’s, website costs
• Measurable reductions in time spent administrating competitions and player registrations
• Free up administrator & volunteer time – redirect to development
• Reduced dependence on mainstream media
• Greater structure to talent identification & elite panel development